The 10 Most Bewitching Bergères

Louis XVI Perle Bergère

Louis XVI Perle Bergère

"This one feels very traditional," observes Bruno de Caumont, admiring classic details such as acanthus-leaf carving on the arms and fluting on the turned legs. "The finish gives the impression it was gilded at one time," he adds, calling its look "almost rustic."

Louis XVI Perle Bergère

"This one feels very traditional," observes Bruno de Caumont, admiring classic details such as acanthus-leaf carving on the arms and fluting on the turned legs. "The finish gives the impression it was gilded at one time," he adds, calling its look "almost rustic."

French Mohair Bergère from Mecox Gardens

"This is the style I like," Caumont says. "It's end of Louis XVI, beginning of Directoire." Referring to the clean lines and spare carving, he notes, "the details here are simple." Its seat cushion is effective, he continues, because it doesn't hide the frame. "It feels very refined."

Louis XVI Dome-Top Bergère

"Such a feminine personality," Galdi states. "The bow carving gives it a sweet air." To complement that feeling, she advises upholstering it in a floral pattern ("something open and flowing") and applying a lighter finish to the beech frame. As for a setting, she says, "I see this in a dressing room."

Perla Chair

"I like everything about it!" Caumont exclaims. "It's a bit Jean-Michel Frank," he observes of the simple silhouette and limed-look finish. The extra throw pillow "adds a bit of a modern touch." Because of its small scale, he envisions several arranged in a group.

Vincent Bergère

"I think this would be beautiful in a library," Galdi declares. "The strong lines and dark-walnut finish give it a very straightforward, masculine energy." But you could change the fabric for a more playful look. In gold or silver leaf, "it would make a grand statement in a contemporary loft."

Louis XVI Bergère

"It's almost like a small marquise armchair," Caumont notes of its wider seat and larger scale. "Because of the size, it should really stand on its own," he says. "It would make a great reading chair in a bedroom or a cozy place to watch television."

#6222 Chair

"So comfortable," Galdi remarks of the deep seat and thick cushion. "It would work well in the lounge of a restaurant or club—anywhere you want to sit for a long time." She also admires its carved-wood frame. "I love the gilding because it feels very Italian."

Giselle Chair

"Relative to the others, this is very inexpensive," Caumont says. You could even paint it yourself, he reasons. "It would be so modern in shiny industrial epoxy and a metallic fabric." Otherwise, he sees it in a more traditional setting. "The fabric you choose can make it more or less formal."

Hanna Chair

"The white-painted frame makes this one feel lighter," Galdi comments. "It can be more versatile—I see it in a sunroom or a bright salon." She also likes the use of raffia: "The weaving calls to mind the country." Because of its upright back, she reasons, it would look great up against a wall.